Education system out of touch

[scooterbug44]

Aren't most HS classes rather simply named?

With the exception of adding numbers to differentiate the various levels of language classes, an "AP" or getting specific about which math branch (Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry) none of our classes were called anything interesting or overly descriptive - Gym, Social Studies, Government, or History, Spanish, Home Ec etc.

 

[wrobert]

Aren't most HS classes rather simply named?

With the exception of adding numbers to differentiate the various levels of language classes, an "AP" or getting specific about which math branch (Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry) none of our classes were called anything interesting or overly descriptive - Gym, Social Studies, Government, or History, Spanish, Home Ec etc.

True but Office Technology, Business Systems, something other than just keyboarding if it is in fact something else. Remember they are trying to get these kids to pick majors and take career tracks in the 9th grade. If you want them to act like they are in college, then you need to treat them that way.

 

[Bob]

My youngest daughter runs the 3200 meter in track, and cross country in the fall....averages 7-9 miles roadwork a day. She has to take a summer school physical education requirement because she did not take gym during the regular school year. I will be paying her 4.00/ gallon commute this summer to the high school for no real reason other than satisfying a requirement crafted by idiots. In the past, varsity sport participation earned you a pass, so tell me this is not insane. Regarding keyboard training requirements, just throw it on the mountain of mandates that takes us from a core curriculum of learning. The state wants our children to be more efficient at typing unintelligible gibberish.

 

[wrobert]

My youngest daughter runs the 3200 meter in track, and cross country in the fall....averages 7-9 miles roadwork a day. She has to take a summer school physical education requirement because she did not take gym during the regular school year. I will be paying her 4.00/ gallon commute this summer to the high school for no real reason other than satisfying a requirement crafted by idiots.

That is crazy. My son is going to try out for basketball and I am told stands a good chance. Now I hear that he will have two blocks of PE a day. There are only four blocks in a day, so now he goes to school to shoot baskets. Well we meet tomorrow and I am making out my list of questions. This is the time of year my wife wishes never happened. She hates it when I ask a bunch of questions.

 

[Minnie]

If it is just keyboarding then there ought to be a way to test out of it. I do not mind the class if he is learning something. But to sit in a class for a semester, and WHS is on block scheduling, is a lot of time that I would hate to see wasted.

I would suggest you check and see. I know her class was very detailed but it was listed as simply Keyboarding.

 

[scooterbug44]

I think trying to get kids to pick careers that early is a HUGE mistake. I was not an unmotivated kid and still had a great deal of trouble deciding on a college, let alone knowing what major I wanted.

I was sent to visit the college I ended up choosing because my guidance counselor wanted to get rid of me longer and the major & career I chose was a mild interest I had so Mom thought I should go to a college that offered that major "just in case". :rofl:

My high school only differentiated between college (by offering AP classes) and non-college (vo-tech and internship programs) prep and my college refused to let you choose a major until your 1st semester sophomore year because they wanted you to explore your options AND keep them open.

The average student who enters college w/ a declared major will change it 3-5 times. The average student who enters college undeclared only changes 1-2 times. The typical person entering the workforce will have 5-6 different professions before they retire.

IMO a good general education is the way to go to TRULY prepare you for life!

 

[ShallowsNole]

That is crazy. My son is going to try out for basketball and I am told stands a good chance. Now I hear that he will have two blocks of PE a day. There are only four blocks in a day, so now he goes to school to shoot baskets. Well we meet tomorrow and I am making out my list of questions. This is the time of year my wife wishes never happened. She hates it when I ask a bunch of questions.

Your wife is correct. I'd hate to be the guidance counselor at WHS tomorrow.
:funn:

 

[scooterbug44]

2 blocks of PE a day is stupid! I'm not a fan of block scheduling anyway, but obviously something is REALLY off when your kid is spending half his school day in gym class.

Is this to prepare him for an athletic career at a state school? ;-)

 

[wrobert]

2 blocks of PE a day is stupid! I'm not a fan of block scheduling anyway, but obviously something is REALLY off when your kid is spending half his school day in gym class.

Is this to prepare him for an athletic career at a state school? ;-)

The way it was explained was one block is for the team and one block for PE. But I still have a hard time believing all of that.

I only wish he was going to have an athletic career. I could use the rest. But academics is the priority. I am hoping that I am just not understanding the explanations and the papers I am getting. I will keep you guys posted though.

 

[scooterbug44]

Your son's sports team practices during the school day - WTF! (And you were worried that "keyboarding" class is not beneficial to his education.)

25% of your son's classroom instruction will be an extracurricular and 25% will be gym class - I'm starting to understand the high rate of home schooling!